Detachable viewfinder

Abstract

A viewfinder for attaching to a device having image-capturing capability has a structure for supporting an eyepiece, an engagement interface implemented on the structure to engage a complementary portion of a device having image-capture capability in a specific direction, and at least one eyepiece attached to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A viewfinder for attaching to a device having image-capturing capability, comprising:
 a structure for supporting an eyepiece, the structure having a linear portion having a base and sidewalls forming a groove, the sidewalls angled inward from the base to provide a gripping effect when engaging a planar portion of a device; 
 an engagement interface implemented on the structure to engage a complementary portion of a device having image-capture capability in a specific direction; and 
 at least one eyepiece attached to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability. 
 
     
     
       2. The viewfinder of  claim 1  wherein the eyepiece is a linear element having a length and an opening having an axis through the length. 
     
     
       3. The viewfinder of  claim 2  wherein the eyepiece is a cylinder. 
     
     
       4. The viewfinder of  claim 1  wherein the structure for supporting an eyepiece has more than one linear portion having a base and sidewalls forming a groove, the linear portions joined at angles such that the grooved structure may envelop a portion of the planar portion of a device. 
     
     
       5. The viewfinder of  claim 1  further comprising a gripping mechanism associated with the groove, for applying pressure to the planar portion when engaged. 
     
     
       6. A method for adding a viewfinder to a device having image-capturing capability, comprising the steps of:
 (a) forming a structure for supporting an eyepiece wherein the structure has a linear portion having a base and sidewalls forming a groove, the sidewalls angled inward from the base to provide a gripping effect when engaging a planar portion of a device; 
 (b) implementing an engagement interface on the structure to engage a complementary portion of the device; and 
 (c) attaching at least one eyepiece to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6  wherein the eyepiece is a linear element having a length and an opening having an axis through the length. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  wherein the eyepiece is a cylinder. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6  wherein the structure for supporting an eyepiece has more than one linear portion having a base and sidewalls forming a groove, the linear portions joined at angles such that the grooved structure may envelop a portion of the planar portion of a device. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6  further comprising a gripping mechanism associated with the groove, for applying pressure to the planar portion when engaged.